Chicago Illinois Theaters

Chicago also offers tourists its theatrical companies and independent theaters. From traveling Broadway mega-shows to experimental theater to improvisational groups and comedy, Chicago has it all. Go ahead and check ‘The League of Chicago Theaters’ website for updated listings of theater performances - from slapstick comedies to the elegance of a ballet performance, you are sure to be whisked off to a world of delights which only Chicago can offer. Here are some of the better known theaters:

(1) The Second City – A favorite for those looking for wit and humor, this theater is a national treasure and one of Chicago Tourism’s landmarks since 1959. What’s more, this theater launched the careers of John Belushi, Mike Myers and Bill Murray.

(2) The Steppenwolf Theatre Company – redefined acting and performance through its internationally renowned 41 ensemble of artists with talents ranging in acting, directing, playwriting, filmmaking, and textual adaptation - truly one of Chicago Tourism’s assets, together with the Royal George Theater Center.

(3) The Comedy Sportz Theater – one of Chicago' s long-standing favorites, this provides nightly laughs with creative comedy skits from top-notch comedians (the Red and Blue teams). How hard can you laugh?

(4) The Goodman Theatre – a part of Chicago life for over 80 years, located off State Street in the Loop, this Chicago Tourism offering features local, national and international artists and is also Chicago’s oldest and largest not-for-profit theater, comprising Albert Theater and Owen Bruner Theater.

(5) The Blue Man Group at Briar Street Theater – a distinct Chicago group, it features quirky and remarkable performances by three enigmatic bald and blue characters who combine theater, percussive music, art, science and vaudeville.

(6) The Chicago Theatre – Chicago’s legendary theatre which stands as the city’s symbol (vertical marquee of C-H-I-C-A-G-O), and one of the US’s most beautiful theaters, undeniably a must-visit Chicago site which is a vital part of State Street’s history and future of the North Loop Theater District.

(7) Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park – designed by Frank Gehry, with his signature billowing headdress of brushed stainless steel ribbons framing the stage, this Chicago pavilion can accommodate 4,000 fixed seats with its Great Lawn accommodating an additional 7,000 people. Home to Grant Park Music Festival as well as other free concerts and events, this Chicago favorite is the way to experience the city’s vitality.

(8) Apollo Theater – designed by Michael Lustig, located in fashionable Lincoln Park, this Chicago theater guarantees an unparalleled theatrical experience in terms of intimacy and accessibility.

(9) Auditorium Theater of Roosevelt University – designed by Louis Sullivan, this offers eclectic and inspiring productions, a signature Chicago Tourism attraction with a capacity of 3,877 people, occupying half a city block along Congress Parkway.

(10) Cadillac Palace Theater – inspired by the palaces of Versailles and Fontainebleau, this Chicago offering is a prominent part of the city’s history where legendary entertainers like Bob Hope, Mae West and Jimmy Durante had performed.

(11) Chicago Center of the Performing Arts – Chicago’s most intimate theater which feature original productions, classic plays and musicals.

(12) Chicago Shakespeare Theater on Navy Pier – providing panoramic views of Chicago’s skyline, its acclaimed productions include William Shakespeare’s plays as well as works of American and international playwrights and directors.

(13) Drury Lane Theater Water Tower Place – one of Chicago Tourism’s magnificent theaters, committed to producing the finest plays and musicals from Broadway and beyond.

(14) Ford Center for the Performing Arts, Oriental Theater – Chicago Tourism’s restored movie palace with décor inspired by the Far East, a virtual museum of Asian Art which houses mostly Broadway tours.

(15) Bank of America Theatre - rich in theatrical history (vaudeville circuit), built in 1906 and one of Chicago’s vintage theaters which had hosted Harry Houdini and Lily Langtry, it currently hosts a variety of music and comedy theatrical performances. Previously called the Lasalle Bank Theatre.